Toilet grab rails, installed to the Australian Standard
The rails that help you sit down and stand back up safely. Installed across Melbourne's eastern and south-eastern suburbs, fitted to AS 1428.1-2021.
The toilet rail options
- Horizontal wall rail (side). The most common. Fitted to the wall next to the toilet, 800–810 mm off the finished floor per AS 1428.1. Extends at least 450 mm forward of the toilet seat.
- Drop-down / fold-down rail. Hinged; folds up and out of the way. Used where the toilet has clear space on one side. Good for shared bathrooms.
- Angled rail. For leverage when standing up. Often combined with a horizontal.
- Double rails (both sides). Maximum support — used when a person can't push off one arm. Usually an OT-scoped install.
AS 1428.1-2021 specs for toilet rails
- Horizontal rail height: 800–810 mm above finished floor.
- Horizontal extension: ≥ 450 mm forward of the toilet seat.
- Diameter: 30–40 mm.
- Clearance from wall: 50 mm.
- Load: 110 kg / 1,100 N in any direction.
Who uses which rail
- Getting tired, need a hand up → horizontal + angled combination.
- Lives with someone else, small bathroom → drop-down on the side with the clear space.
- OT-specified → whatever the scope says. I install to scope.
Cost
- Single rail (stud fix): typically $250–$310.
- Drop-down rail: priced separately (rail is more expensive).
- Double-rail install: best booked as part of a whole-bathroom package.
- Funded: quoted to OT scope. See pricing.
Common questions
Which side of the toilet should the rail go?
Whichever side the user prefers to push off. For funded jobs the OT specifies; for private jobs I'll talk through which hand is stronger and mount accordingly.
Can you install a drop-down rail if there's no wall next to the toilet?
Yes — drop-down rails bolt to the floor or to the wall behind the toilet, not the side wall. I just need a solid surface to anchor into.
What weight can the rail hold?
AS 1428.1 requires a rail to hold a 110 kg / 1,100 N load from any direction. I fit each rail so it meets the standard, and load-test it before I leave. If the user is bariatric, tell me at quote stage and I'll specify a rail and fixing to suit.
Get a free quote
Email me at rob@grabsafe.com.au or use the form on my contact page. I reply within one business day.